The senior is bigger and stronger than last season, when he rushed for 1,005 yards, and he's working to become a better pass receiver.

McNeal wants to play in the NFL, and he knows there aren't many every-down backs who are 5-foot-7 and 195 pounds. So McNeal has been studying route-running and pass-catching film of similarly built backs, including Reggie Bush, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice and Darren Sproles.

McNeal has taken particular interest in Sproles' success. Listed at 5-6, 190, Sproles has carved a niche as a third-down back and punt returner, first for the San Diego Chargers and now for the New Orleans Saints.

USC running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu is a man of many acronyms (see below) but not many running backs on the current roster.

He discusses the depth situation and gives thumbnail looks at all his charges in this Q&A:

(on whether depth is a concern)

"It always is, at all positions, and in spring especially, when you lose guys. But we'll get through it. Hopefully when we're in a single back (formation), we have Soma (Vainuku), who I think can learn both sides. Then we have some walk-ons who can get us through. It's always a concern. But I like the attitude and the work habits."